Welcome back to Impact Unfiltered, the show where bold ideas and honest dialogue fuel real change in healthcare, business, and our communities. In this episode, host Philippe sits down with Keahana Lambert—an Eastern Band Cherokee leader with nearly three decades of experience in public health and law enforcement. Keahana shares her passion for healing generational trauma, nurturing resilience, and prioritizing holistic wellness rooted in Cherokee culture. From the revitalization of language and legacy, to innovative healthcare programs serving both tribal and non-tribal community members, Keahana gives us an inside look at how her team empowers people to move from surviving to truly thriving. Plus, hear about the powerful community initiatives uplifting mental health, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation of leaders. This is a conversation about impact unfiltered, inspiring, and deeply moving.
1. Introduction and Background
- Keahana’s background:
- Eastern Band Cherokee heritage
- Role as mother, grandmother, and public servant
- 27 years in public health and law enforcement with the tribe
2. Community Context and Current Issues
- Importance of healing from trauma in tribal communities
- Emphasis on resilience and moving towards thriving, not just surviving
3. The Meaning and Impact of “Impact”
- Definition of impact: influence and change, both negative and positive
- Historical negative impacts: colonization, assimilation, Indian Removal Act
- Positive impacts: revitalization of language and culture
- Example: Tribal language academy and cultural education for children
4. Organizational and Healthcare Alignment
- The tribe’s Health Improvement Plan (SIPP)
- Team involvement with subcommittees
- Community-driven program development (e.g., Cherokee Choices)
- Responsive programming based on community needs (yoga, mental health, substance abuse, dietary health)
- Holistic, patient-centered healthcare approach
5. The Tribal Health System Structure
- Sovereignty and self-governance in healthcare:
- Departed from IHS (Indian Health Service) model
- Custom-designed health services to meet local needs
- Range of services offered:
- Minor surgical procedures, inpatient & outpatient care
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Residential treatment center (Kanvwotiyi)
6. Cultural Integration in Healthcare
- Incorporation of Cherokee language, values, and beliefs into all health programs
- Historical cultural practices (shared wealth, communal care for children)
- Contrast with modern challenges (homelessness, foster care)
7. Expansion and Community Inclusion
- Open access to health programs for all local residents, not just tribal members
- Rationale: Ensuring overall community health benefits everyone
8. Leadership, Legacy, and Advice for Future Generations
- Encouragement for emerging leaders:
- Emphasizing the value and purpose of every individual
- Advocating for standing up and finding one's voice
- Obstacles faced by Indigenous communities in broader society
9. Effective Support and Collaboration in Tribal Leadership
- Importance of leadership buy-in and understanding
- Trauma education programs:
- Teaching about brain function, nervous system regulation, and trauma recovery (moving from survival mode to thinking mode)
- Programs delivered in workshops, aiming for personal and community balance (tohi)
10. Outreach and Invitation for Collaboration
- Contact information for support, training, and collaborative opportunities
- Willingness to provide workshops and resources to other communities
11. Message to Other Tribal Professionals and Leaders
- Reminder: "We're still here" – resilience and survival
- Advocacy for understanding trauma, shifting the lens from blaming to understanding
12. Community Events and Upcoming Initiatives
- Announcement of the “From Darkness Into Hope” suicide awareness event
- Purpose: honor lost community members, raise awareness around mental health resources
- Highlights: cultural ceremonies, service information booths, food, and community gathering
